Chapter 14

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Your POV

After bumping into Ava, I ran back home and got ready for high school. Tomorrow is Friday so I'm so excited to hear her sing live again. If the principal lets her perform everyday I'll see her every day of school and I'll actually have motivation to attend school. I changed from my running clothes to a sample vintage outfit with ripped tight jeans, brushed my hair and got my backpack ready before grabbing a slice of bread to eat on my way to school.

I went through the drive thru of Starbucks to get an iced oat latte. My favorite drink now. Since I discovered iced coffee, I've been addicted to it. I mentally thanked Ava for showing me such a delicious drink as I took the first sip, savoring the extra cinnamon I ordered.

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It's finally friday! After History and Math, Kate Lizzie and I went to the cafeteria where the rest were waiting at the table closest to the stage.

"Um, guys?" Lizzie started "I'm getting a bit pressured by all the people... Could we sit at the next table? The one close to the window but not completely away? I just... I don't want y/n to be far from Ava but I feel bad..."

"Sure. Don't worry Lizzie. Just tell us if you're feeling bad. We can move. It's not that big of a deal" I said. Putting my friends before everything like I've always done. We sat at the next closest table to the stage that had one side facing the giant glass wall with glass doors that provided fresh air in the cafeteria. Marley and the cheerleaders of course, sat at the table we just left.

Ava played a soft relaxing intro before starting an instrumental melody. She hummed along the song. I didn't know it so I guess she composed it. Further into the song she started playing complicated chords. Her fingers brushing against the keys and swiftly moving her hands over the piano that she so delicately played bringing the most beautiful sounds out of it.

She continued to perform acoustic versions of various songs from the eighties, nineties and two thousands before playing a few from her own album. Marley and the cheerleaders were going crazy. I don't even think the rest knows Ava. They're just following Marley. I rolled my eyes at their sight and focused back on Ava.

Her eyes were half closed as she played the chords that she knew so well. I watched her moving her head along to the melody, feeling the music while playing it. I could look at her playing that piano forever. God, I hope the principal accepts her offer. She finished sooner that I would like and sat at the edge of the stage, scanning the room and looking at all the faces looking at her.

Marley waved at her, signaling her to sit with them but Ava locked eyes and politely declined before walking over to us.

"You changed your location" Ava said, sitting between Lizzie and me.

"Lizzie wasn't feeling too good so we came here, where she could have fresh air" I explained while the rest nodded, eating their food.

Oh shit. Food.

"Oh no" I mumbled.

"What's the matter?" Ava asked, visibly concerned.

"I- I think I forgot my food" I said looking around and checking inside my backpack.

"You can have some of mine" Ava said, smiling and putting her container with her food between us "I made chicken fajitas this morning. Trust me. I'm so good at making these" she said, stabbing a piece with her fork and eating it. Then she handed me the same fork and I used it to try her dish. It was delicious.

A small sigh escaped my mouth.

"It's so good" I was melting in place "It's so warm and savory"

"Thanks, I'm glad you like it" She smiled, taking the fork back from me before bringing some chicken to her mouth.

My hands started to feel a bit sweaty. We were so close, engaging in a casual conversation with everyone but her leg lightly brushing against mine sometimes was driving me crazy. I smoothed my short dress with my hands, pulling the end down so it covered my thigh more. I wore a dress that showed a lot of cleavage (enough to still be school appropriate) and stopped mid thigh just for her. I caught her staring once and she quickly looked away with flushed cheeks, making me blush too.

I joined the light conversation before the bell rang, signaling us students that we had to go to our next class. In my case, Drama. I stood up with the rest to leave but a hand grabbed my wrist.

"Um... I was gonna do this yesterday morning but I chickened out because I didn't want you to get the wrong idea and mess up our friendship but... Here you go" she handed me a piece of paper.

I took it with a puzzled expression. When I looked at the other side of the paper, with neat handwriting it read her name and her phone number.

"We've been finding each other by chance but maybe like this we can text to hang out and stuff" she said.

"That would be great" I smiled before following Kate and Lizzie to Drama.

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"I noticed you staring into nothing" Kate said "Are you okay?"

"I just- I think I saw Robbie with another girl. I mean, we're not together anymore and he doesn't deserve me but I didn't think he would be over it so quickly. It just made me sink a bit deeper" Lizzie admitted.

"I'm sorry. I didn't notice" I said.

"We know. You were drooling over Ava" Kate laughed, Lizzie joining her in laughter.

"You're not wrong but... Ouch" I answered putting a hand over my heart with a hurt face.

"There is a special festival going on tomorrow and I was wondering if you would like to come with a friend of work and me. You can bring Ava too" Lizzie winked at me.

"I'm in!" said Kate.

"There are different concerts at every single square, a lot of kiosks with booze that will literally give vodka to fourteen year olds and fireworks at eleven" Lizzie explained "and I'm way past this introvert thing. I need alcohol, I need to get some and maybe some illegal stuff too. I just don't care anymore" She leaned into my shoulder.

We got to drama class and the class went on normally, without anything to make it stand out except that I got to go up to the booth to learn to manage the lights of the theatre. It was so cool. We had the last five minutes of English to talk to each other so we told the gang about the festival. Alex had a family dinner and couldn't come and Jack didn't really feel like going after he heard that James might be going. I think he has a crush on Kate but seeing her so in love with another guy hurts him. Poor guy.

Two minutes before the class ended we had the whole list of people would go:

Me

Ava

Kate

James

Lizzie

Colette

Beca

And Sam

I was about to create a group chat when the bell rang and I had to pack my stuff. I got out with Kate and Lizzie. We were the only ones that didn't have an activity after school- Lizzie walked up to the side of the street looking at the road.

"Weird. My ride should be here" she mumbled to herself.

The Corvette from Wednesday pulled up with James in it and Kate hopped in after saying goodbye.

"Is everything okay?" I asked Lizzie.

"Yeah, It's just that maybe my ride is late"

"I'll wait for you and if no one arrives you can come to my house until they do, like the first day" I offered.

"Thanks y/n" she hugged me tightly, fitting her head under my chin as she was shorter than me, not to mention a year younger.

"No problem"

A black motorbike sped through to then brake with a skid causing the tires to emit a sharp noise. The girl with black leather jacket took her dark purple helmet off revealing very dark purple short hair.

"Chef?!" Lizzie's jaw dropped "what are you doing here?"

"You know her?" I asked, taken aback by the bold girl of the motorcycle. She was rather intimidating. Lizzie just nodded.

"I was just driving by and I saw you so I thought I could say hello" her thick French accent surprised me.

"Uhm, y/n, this is my boss, chef Tatou" Lizzie introduced me "chef, this is one of my best friends, if not the best, y/n"

"I'm Colette, Colette Tatou" she said, shaking my hand.

"You can call me Colette outside of work sous" she referred to Lizzie on her position's name in the kitchen.

"Okay, then call me Lizzie, Colette" Lizzie teased.

"Very well then, Lizzie" she teased back.

"Your accent, I know it's french but where exactly are you from, Colette?" I asked, curiously.

"I was born and raised in Paris. I worked at the best restaurant in all of Paris when I was just eighteen but I got tired of the same scenery everyday so I bought a ticket to New York, where I have lived since two years ago" she explained.

"So, do you need a ride Lizzie?" She asked.

"I guess so. Y/n, do you mind if I...?" she signaled the motorcycle.

"Of course, no worries. My house is close" I said.

"Okay thanks!" she hopped into the vehicle and Colette handed her another purple helmet. They both hopped on, Lizzie putting her arms around Colette's waist and easing into her as they drove away.

Huh. Everyone is finding someone, even after a breakup, Lizzie is getting so close to Colette. I ship them even though I think Lizzie is straight. And here, I'm struggling like hell to get close to Ava. Well, at least I got her phone number today, I guess that's a start. I took out the piece of paper and stared at the numbers, thinking what I would say if I ever dared to text her first.

I was still wondering what to text her when someone jumped on me from behind.

"Boo!" Ava said, grabbing my shoulders and making me flinch.

"Ava! You scared me" I giggled.

She laughed too.

"I have good news" she said with a wide smile.

"Tell me" I encouraged her.

"The principal said that it would be a great idea! Now I'll be able to afford more stuff than just rent" she made a little victory dance.

"That's so good! Now I'll be able to see you every weekday!-.... I mean... See you, perform! Um, you are so good at it you know?" Nice save y/n.

She laughed.

"Well, it's literally my only talent" she shrugged, a wide smile still plastered across her face.

"What?! I'm sure you're really good at other stuff too!"

"Believe me, I've tried everything and I just can't do anything right" she sighed, smile fading.

"I could help you" I rushed.

"With what?" she looked confused.

"Discovering new talents. I personally love baking and we could meet someday to make cookies if you want" I proposed. Gosh, I hope this was the other kind of proposal. I let my mind wander to places I would probably never reach. A romantic walk at the beach, the sun setting and the warm light of the dying sun reflecting on her skin making it glow like she were magical and finally, a sweet gentle kiss.

"Y/n?" Ava waver her hand before my eyes "You blanked off" she said when I repeatedly blinked, coming back to reality.

"Oh, yeah sorry. What were you saying?"

"You said we could make cookies at your place sometime and I said yes. Is this afternoon okay for you? My producer got sick and some of my co-workers are taking a break so I'm free this afternoon" She explained.

"Uh, sure! I'm still home alone though. My parents should be coming home tomorrow or the next day. They're on a business trip. Do you have a car or should I drive us?" I asked.

"I came here in a cab so if you don't mind driving me, we could go in your car" Ava said, batting her long eyelashes.

"Of course" I led her to the car and drove off.

"Nice car" she said, reminding me that the last time she was here, she said the same thing and then... other things happened.

"Do you wanna go through Starbucks?" I asked.

"If it doesn't bother you, I would love to"

"Bother me?! Starbucks?? Of course not!" I exaggerated my expressions, making her laugh. That laugh... The most beautiful sound in the world.

I went through the drive thru and ordered two oat milk iced coffees with extra cinnamon. She smiled at me when I handed her the coffee and I drove off to my house. I parked and got out of the car as she did the same thing, staring at the house.

"I will never get used to this enormous house" she said. I laughed and she joined me in laughter as we made our way into the house.

I took out all the tools we would need and explained everything to Ava while grabbing ingredients.

"We need flour, butter, sugar..." I started "Can you take three eggs from the fridge?" I asked her before grabbing the ingredients I previously mentioned.

"Sure" she opened the fridge and took out the eggs before placing them on the counter, next to everything else. We took the rest of the ingredients and started.

We played some music while I preheated the oven, measured the ingredients and let her pour them into the big bowl. I plugged in the electric whisk and handed it to her.

"You can mix the ingredients" I smiled. She took the whisk and smiled back.

"Okay"

She positioned herself in front of the bowl and unsteadily held the whisk. She was about to start it and make flour fly all over the place without knowing so I positioned myself behind her and held the whisk over her unsteady hand, moving it into the correct position.

"Um, thanks" she was emanating a lot of heat and I started to blush too as she started the electric whisk and turned the heterogeneous mix into a uniform beige paste with my hands still on the whisk, guiding her through the lumps.

"You can stop now" I said taking my hands off her and pulling away "It's ready"

"O-okay" she brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear and took out the whisk before placing it in the sink.

"Now, the best part" I said walking up to the pantry "chocolate chips!" I excitedly said while holding the bag.

"Yay! I love chocolate" she smiled and walked up to me to grab the bag.

She opened it and took a couple of chips to shove them into her mouth.

"Hey! Those are for the cookies!" I warned her.
We both fell into a pool of laughter. She licked her fingers clean of the chocolate that melted at the contact and handed me the bag with innocent eyes.

I chuckled and tossed a handful to the mix. I looked at Ava. Her eyes were practically pleading me to put in more chocolate and I had no choice but to obey. Her eyes are so hypnotizing. If she told me to stab my own hand, I would do it without question. I took another handful and watched Ava's reaction as I poured them in. She smiled and her eyes lit up. I mixed everything up a bit with a spoon and gave Ava a scoop before grabbing one myself.

We scooped spherical pieces of cookie dough and put them in the paper oven sheet. We finished the tray and she put it in the oven for me to set the timer. I took the bowl with the extra cookie dough and brought it to the couch. Ava followed me and sat on the couch next to me. I put the bowl between us and reached out for the remote.

"Do you wanna watch something while eating cookie dough?" I asked.

"Yeah!"

I opened Netflix and put on a funny show called 'The Good Place'

When the oven beeped, I stood up, insisting that Ava stayed in the living room. I put the cookies on a rack so they cooled off. Some time later, I took them to the couch with me. They were warm but not burning hot.

We ate them while watching the show. I have to admit it's so addicting. We couldn't stop watching and Netflix automatically skipping to the next episode when the previous one was over didn't really help. By the time I realized, it was 10PM.

"Oh my god. It's so late" I said, showing my phone lockscreen with the clock to Ava.

"Oh, wow yeah" she blushed "Is that me in the background?"

She was referring to a photo of one of her photoshoots I set as my lockscreen. I couldn't help myself. She looked so good.

"Uhm, oh, yeah" I scratched the back of my neck, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks "D-do you need a ride home?" I asked.

"If you don't mind, I could use one" She smiled with the last cookie in her mouth. I smiled and walked her outside and to the car. We got in and I put on some light music while I smoothly drove to her house. She rested her head on the window and I think she fell asleep. My thoughts were confirmed when we arrived and she didn't bulge. I really really really didn't want to wake her up so I had an idea. A terrible idea if you may.

I looked in her purse for her keys, picked her up and carried her to the door, where I stopped to open the door. It was hard to do so while carrying her but I did it. She was so light and perfectly balanced. Can this girl be even more perfect??

I walked to her bedroom and gently placed her on the bed. I took off her shoes and wiped her makeup with a wet cloth so she wouldn't get the pillow dirty with makeup if she rolled around at night. She was so beautiful even without makeup I placed a small kiss on her forehead and left, closing the door quietly.

I went back home and then it hit me. I wanted to ask Ava to come to the festival with me tomorrow... Well, I guess it's too late now. Maybe there's another festival next week. I yawned. I usually am not that tired at this time but I guess seeing Ava tired made me a bit tired too. I slowly made my way to my room and I played some soft piano music to relax. I laid down on the bed and closed my eyes focusing only on the music. Before I knew it, I fell into the deep dark of sleep. The darkness was eventually lit up by dreams that included Ava, my friends and some ten eyed giant purple octopus for some reason.

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A/N: Hi!! I hope you liked this chapter :)

I was a bit inactive because after a year of not seeing each other I was reunited with my best friend and we went on holidays together. I tried to stay off electronic devices so I enjoyed my time with her but she left yesterday so I'm active again :))

Votes are appreciated, I love comments and as always,

Stay happy and healthy!

Love youuuu <3